No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should
not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or
institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.

(a) The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire
distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.

(b) The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor,
water, or merchandise.

(c) The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.

(d) The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should
never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting
of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and
the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of the
platform, and for decoration in general.....

I wish more people knew about this simple set of rules and learned to honor the traditions.

7/9/08

Knowing the rules is one thing, but it's inherently American to at least question and maybe even update or amend them....

So, must the American Flag be as exclusively, solemnly serious as the Flag Code requires? Or should we feel free to get creative with it?

Are the Flag Code's rules too archaic, too out-dated to be taken seriously today? Is the Flag Code unAmerican? After all, shouldn't we be appreciating and celebrating our 1st Amendment right to freely express ourselves about anything, including the United States itself and its flag? Shouldn't we feel free to paint U.S. flag patterns on fire hydrants? Can't we wrap ourselves in the flag via wearing an American Flag t-shirt? On he other side, aren't we supposed to be free to burn the flag in protest if we feel inspired to? After all, the American Flag is a symbol of a free country...

Joseph Ambrose (above), an 86-year-old World War I veteran, attends the dedication day parade for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. He is holding the flag that covered the casket of his son, who was killed in the Korean War."- Photo credit: U.S. Census Bureau

(Above), veteran Chester Tomczak prepares to lay a flag preserving the memory of American prisoners of war on the flames. Photo by Bob Walter for the Eatonville News, Eatonville WA)

Still, when I see aged U.S. veterans like those pictured above, handling our flag with all the reverence, care and protocol that the Flag Code requires, I care very deeply about how they feel, wanting to honor them and their service......which makes it even harder to see the Flag trivialized on things like napkins, toys, and party favors; the shameless merchandising of the American Flag, and the ever-increasing silliness, like the AmericanFlag costume I saw on someone's chihuahua in a neighborhood Fourthof Julyparade, the colors inevitably dragging on the ground.

Anyway, at this point I'm inclined to believe that, while U.S. military and all U.S. government entities should certainly adhere to the Flag Code (and to spread the word about it, setting an example of appropriate respect), ordinary civilians can and should express their feelings about their country and flag any way they care to, even if it contradicts the Code.

Again, it's a free country, which is the greater point.

And while I personally find the merchandising of the American flag to be utterly shameless, commercialism is a part of our society; we can always choose not to buy into it, literally and symbolically.

Either way, I think it's worthwhile for citizens to be aware of the correct American FlagProtocol, even though the rules aren't enforceable and shouldn't be; the 1st Amendment trumps anybody's traditions.

6/18/08

Particularly since the events of September 11th, 2001, more homes, businesses, and individuals than ever are displaying the American Flag; a well-intended, patriotic gesture, indicating American pride and support.

Not surprisingly, businesses are merchandising the American Flag by putting images of the it on almost everything they make*. (*Made almost exclusively mainly in Taiwan!) As I write this, between Flag Day and Fourth of July, everywhere I go I see American flag-covered merchandise; yesterday at the grocery store they were selling American Flag birdhouses for patriotic birds.

Unfortunately, almost all of these uses and displays of the flag are literally disrespectful.

Do you really want dogs peeing on the flag?

Companies that market American-flag themed mailboxes, birdhouses, t-shirts, credit cards, golf clubs, candy, or whatever, are counting on two things: our patriotism and our ignorance, sometimes an effective way to sell war too.

If Americans are going to display their flag, they might as well know how to do it properly. I studied flag protocol back in the '70's and '80's, working as a parliamentarian, otherwise I might have flag napkins or flag windsocks.

Lining the garden with American Flag pinwheels may make you feel good, but technically it's a no-no. However, it's a free country, so be my guest!

There are rules regarding how the American Flag should be displayed, and how it shouldn't, as well as how one should (and should NOT) respond to the passing of the American Flag. These rules are all found in the U.S. Flag Code, a federal law.

First, always remember that the flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Our flag is meant to be treated with total respect; the same dignity and care that you'd afford to the veterans who've been maimed or killed in defense of this country.

Obviously you don't play around with that.

The American Flag is NOT meant to be a home-decorating theme,much less a sales device. Most of what you'll see for sale to celebrate the Fourth of July is not even remotely kosher per the Flag code, but the sellers are counting on your ignorance. Caveat emptor!So before you waste your time and money buying American Flag paper plates, cups, trays, t-shirts, tissue boxes, bows, pinwheels, mailbox covers, costumes for your pets, etc., take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the Flag Code, and really think about how you want to display the American Flag.

~The flag should not be used for decoration in general.(Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is appropriate for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.)

~ The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose.

~ The flag should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. SoNO AMERICAN FLAG PAPER PLATES or PAPER NAPKINS for your Memorial Day or July 4th picnic. Sorry.

~ The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.YES, THAT MEANS NO FLAG T-SHIRTS! NO FLAG GOLF PANTS, NO FLAG TENNIS SHOES, NO WEARING THE FLAG AT ALL UNLESS PART OF A REAL UNIFORM!The American Flag is not available for a fashion statement, however well-intended. So why are politicians and others so quickly condemned for NOT wearing a flag pin?Because you can usually count on the most uninformed people to be the first to (mis)judge.

What's wrong with this picture, besides the ironic misspelling?

~ The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind placed on it, or attached to it. DON'T EVEN LET THE PRESIDENT AUTOGRAPH IT! (Our President, defacing our Flag) ~ The flag should never be used for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything. The Flag is not your servant!

Nix on the American Flag mailboxes, baskets, or boxes; let the flag be a FLAG.

~ When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms.(Note: if it does touch the ground, for goodness sakes DON'T BURN ITjust because it touched the ground!That's an unfortunate urban legend that only serves to waste a flag and pollute the air. The code does NOT state that a flag that touches the ground should be burned; it only says that the flag should be adjusted so it is no longer touching the ground. Duh.

~ The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. (After all, a faded, tattered American Flag symbolizes a damaged, declining nation.)

According to the US Flag Code, these tattered flags need repair or retirement

~When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner. Most American Legion Posts conduct periodic, dignified flag burning ceremonies, often on Flag Day, June 14th. Many Scout Troops retire flags regularly as well. Contact your local American Legion Hall or Scout Troop to inquire about this service.

http://www.eatonvillenews.net/retiredflag.htmlJune 16, 2005: Fred Matthews holds a used and faded American Flag while Chester Tomczak prepares to lay a flag preserving the memory of American prisoners of war on the flames. American Legion Post 148 Adjutant Jim Vojtecky looks on. In a solemn annual ceremony held at the Alder Street Park, the veterans, respectfully and properly dispose of retired American flags, each of which is, according to the U.S. Flag Code, “in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display..." The Disposal of Unserviceable Flags Ceremony is held each year on Flag Day, June 14. (photo by Bob Walter) From the Eatonville, Washington News.Handled with reverence, many retired American flags were ceremoniously burned Tuesday, June 14, Flag Day, at the site of the historic Van Eaton Cabin.

One company, American Flag Recycling, is trying to promote recycling of worn out nylon American Flags, because burning them releases significant toxic chemicals. Recycling the flag flies in the face of the Flag Code, yet another reason why the code might need updating. Actually Flying the Actual Flag

~ First of all, there is a law protecting your right to fly the American Flag, the Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005. Your condo, co-op, or home owner's association can no longer restrict or prevent a member of the association from displaying the flag of the United States on residential property. So there!

~ The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously.

~ The flag is saluted as it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest.

~ When carried in a parade or procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers.

~ To salute, citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge.

Young Americans salute the flag in the playground. ~San Francisco, 4/20/1942

~ The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.

~ The flag should be flown in fair weather, unless the flag is designed for inclement weather use.

~ The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.

~ The flag should never be stepped on by anyone; not even by the President.

~ Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.

~ The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing.

~ The flag is flown upside down only as a distress signal.

~ When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union (the blue field with the white stars) to the north or east.

~ If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag's union should be farthest from the building.

~ In military use, no more than two flags may be on a single pole. There is no official guideline for civilian use.

~ It is customary to honor fallen soldiers every Memorial Day by placing a small flag at the grave site; the small flags are removed at the end of the Memorial Day weekend.

Displaying the Flag Indoors

~ When on display, the flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Place it to the right of the speaker or staging area or sanctuary. Other flags should be to the left.

~ The flag should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states, localities, or societies are grouped for display.

~ When one flag is used with the flag of the United States of America and the staffs are crossed, the flag of the United States is placed on its own right with its staff in front of the other flag.

~ When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag's union (stars) should be at the top, to the flag's own right, and to the observer's left.

Here's the actual United States Code Title 4 Chapter 1 ~The Flag

§1. Flag; stripes and stars on
The flag of the United States shall be thirteen horizontal stripes, alternate red and white; and the union of the flag shall be forty-eight stars [Note that sec. 2 which follows provides for additional stars. Today the flag has fifty stars representing the fifty states ], white in a blue field

§2. Same; additional stars
On the admission of a new State into the Union one star shall be added to the union of the flag; and such addition shall take effect on the fourth day of July then next succeeding such admission

§3. Use of flag for advertising purposes; mutilation of flag
Any person who, in any manner, for exhibition or display, shall place or cause to be placed any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawing, or any advertisement of any nature upon any flag, standard, colors, or ensign of the United States of America; or shall expose or cause to be exposed to public view any such flag, standard, colors, or ensign upon which shall have been printed, painted, or otherwise placed, or to which shall be attached, appended, affixed, or annexed any word, figure, mark, picture, design, or drawing, or any advertisement of any nature; or who shall manufacture, sell, expose for sale, or to public view, or give away or have in possession for sale, or to be given away or for use for any purpose, any article or substance being an article of merchandise, or a receptacle for merchandise or article or thing for carrying or transporting merchandise, upon which shall have been printed, painted, attached, or otherwise placed a representation of any such flag, standard, colors, or ensign, to advertise, call attention to, decorate, mark, or distinguish the article or substance on which so placed shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $100 or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or both, in the discretion of the court. The words "flag, standard, colors, or ensign", as used herein, shall include any flag, standard, colors, ensign, or any picture or representation of either, or of any part or parts of either, made of any substance or represented on any substance, of any size evidently purporting to be either of said flag, standard, colors, or ensign of the United States of America or a picture or a representation of either, upon which shall be shown the colors, the stars and the stripes, in any number of either thereof, or of any part or parts of either, by which the average person seeing the same without deliberation may believe the same to represent the flag, colors, standard, or ensign of the United States of America.

§4. Pledge of allegiance to the flag; manner of delivery
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.", should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute. [See Congressional Notes re use of "under God."]

§5. Display and use of flag by civilians; codification of rules and customs; definition
The following codification of existing rules and customs pertaining to the display and use of the flag of the United States of America be, and it is hereby, established for the use of such civilians or civilian groups or organizations as may not be required to conform with regulations promulgated by one or more executive departments of the Government of the United States. The flag of the United States for the purpose of this chapter shall be defined according to title 4, United States Code, Chapter 1, Section 1 and Section 2 and Executive Order 10834 issued pursuant thereto.

§6. Time and occasions for display
It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.

The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on
New Year's Day, January 1
Inauguration Day, January 20
Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, third Monday in January
Lincoln's Birthday, February 12
Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February
Easter Sunday (variable)
Mother's Day, second Sunday in May
Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May
Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), the last Monday in May
Flag Day, June 14
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, first Monday in September
Constitution Day, September 17
Columbus Day, second Monday in October
Navy Day, October 27
Veterans Day, November 11
Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day, December 25
and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States
the birthdays of States (date of admission)
and on State holidays.

~ The flag should be displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution.

~ The flag should be displayed in or near every polling place on election days.

~ The flag should be displayed during school days in or near every schoolhouse.

§7. Position and manner of display
The flag, when carried in a procession with another flag or flags, should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag's own right, or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line.

The flag should not be displayed on a float in a parade except from a staff, or as provided in subsection (i) of this section.

Wrong!

The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or a boat. When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy. No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof: Provided, That nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice heretofore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nations in a position of superior prominence or honor, and other national flags in positions of equal prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the headquarters of the United Nations.
The flag of the United States of America, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flag's own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.
The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs.
When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak. When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the United States flag's right.
When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.
When the flag of the United States is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the window sill, balcony, or front of a building, the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff. When the flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope extending from a house to a pole at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out, union first, from the building.

When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.

When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.

When used on a speaker's platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be displayed above and behind the speaker. When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman's or speaker's right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or to the right of the audience.

The flag should form a distinctive feature of the ceremony of unveiling a statue or monument, but it should never be used as the covering for the statue or monument.

The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, or the death of a member of the Armed Forces from any State, territory, or possession who dies while serving on active duty, the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff, and the same authority is provided to the Mayor of the District of Columbia with respect to present or former officials of the District of Columbia and members of the Armed Forces from the District of Columbia. The flag shall be flown at half-staff 30 days from the death of the President or a former President; 10 days from the day of death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice of the United States, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives; from the day of death until interment of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a Secretary of an executive or military department, a former Vice President, or the Governor of a State, territory, or possession; and on the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress. The flag shall be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day. As used in this subsection — the term "half-staff" means the position of the flag when it is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff; the term "executive or military department" means any agency listed under sections 101 and 102 of title 5, United States Code; and the term "Member of Congress" means a Senator, a Representative, a Delegate, or the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.

When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.

When the flag is suspended across a corridor or lobby in a building with only one main entrance, it should be suspended vertically with the union of the flag to the observer's left upon entering. If the building has more than one main entrance, the flag should be suspended vertically near the center of the corridor or lobby with the union to the north, when entrances are to the east and west or to the east when entrances are to the north and south. If there are entrances in more than two directions, the union should be to the east.

§8. Respect for flag
No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.

The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.

The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.

The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.

The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.

The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.

The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.

The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.

The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.

No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.

The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning

§9. Conduct during hoisting, lowering or passing of flag
During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present except those in uniform should face the flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. Those present in uniform should render the military salute. When not in uniform, men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Aliens should stand at attention. The salute to the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes

§10. Modification of rules and customs by President
Any rule or custom pertaining to the display of the flag of the United States of America, set forth herein, may be altered, modified, or repealed, or additional rules with respect thereto may be prescribed, by the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, whenever he deems it to be appropriate or desirable; and any such alteration or additional rule shall be set forth in a proclamation

United States Code Title 36
§301. National anthem; Star-Spangled Banner
The composition consisting of the words and music known as The Star-Spangled Banner is designated the national anthem of the United States of America.
Conduct during playing — During rendition of the national anthem— when the flag is displayed — all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart; men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note; and when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.